General News
27 October, 2021
Mass testing available at TDHS today
TIMBOON and District Healthcare Service (TDHS) will conduct its third mass community COVID-19 testing day today (Wednesday), after more than 200 swabs were taken last week.
TIMBOON and District Healthcare Service (TDHS) will conduct its third mass community COVID-19 testing day today (Wednesday), after more than 200 swabs were taken last week.
The health service conducted two full days of drive through testing last Wednesday and Thursday for both symptomatic and asymptomatic community members.
TDHS chief executive officer Rebecca Van Wollingen said it was important that mass testing was available locally when COVID-19 cases were reported in the community.
“As we continue to learn to live with COVID-19 cases in the community, we will be required to set up these mass testing events from time to time,” she said.
“We were very busy on the first day, particularly early in the day. Many of our staff were involved and the demand tapered off over thetwo days.
“This week’s testing day will provide an opportunity for anyone who needs or wants a follow up test, but also anyone new who would like to get a COVID-19 test.”
Ms Van Wollingen said today’s mass community COVID-19 testing would be held between 9am and 2pm.
She said, like last week, vehicles should enter TDHS’s main entrance and traffic controllers would be on hand to direct people where to go.
“Between these two times, community members do not need to book. However, we do ask that people complete the online COVID-19 Testing Registration Form before they attend if that is possible,” Ms Van Wollingen said.
“Completing this form prior to arriving speeds up the process for everyone as you will receive a Unique Registration Number (URN) via text message that you can give to our staff to identify you and any dependents under 16 registered at the same time.”
Outside of the mass community COVID-19 testing days, people could call TDHS on 5558 6000 for a testing appointment.
“These appointments will be on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays until further notice, but do require an appointment time,” Ms Van Wollingen said.
“So, if you have been directed to get a test or wish to get a test, please call us and our reception team will work through this with you to make sure appropriate steps are taken to help you and our community stay as COVID safe as possible.”
Timboon P-12 School was closed last Wednesday after notification of a positive case attending the school the previous week.
In an update to parents, school principal Davin Reid said the school had been advised a confirmed COVID-19 case attended the school on Thursday, October 14.
He said the school was closed on Wednesday, October 20 as a precaution to identify students or staff who may have had close contact with the case and undergo necessary cleaning.
The Timboon P-12 School exposure followed the closure of St Pats in Camperdown last Monday after the identification of an exposure site in Grade One linked to a Colac case.
As of Monday, Corangamite Shire currently had six active cases across two households.
